Prof. Dr Wahbie Long, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished psychologist whose research bridges social psychoanalysis, indigenous psychology, and the history of psychology. As a Professor at the University of Cape Town, his work has profoundly influenced decolonial and theoretical psychology. His groundbreaking studies on South African psychology’s historical relevance, class struggles, and psychoanalytic dimensions of violence have earned him international acclaim. With numerous publications, editorial roles, and prestigious fellowships, continues to shape psychological discourse worldwide. His impactful contributions to academia, coupled with significant research achievements, make him a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award.
Publication Profile
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Education
Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town (2013) 🏛️📚, where he explored the evolution of psychology in South Africa in his dissertation, “A History of ‘Relevance’: South African Psychology in Focus.” He earned his M.A. in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude) from Stellenbosch University (2003) 🎖️🧠 and his B.Soc.Sci. Hons in Psychology (First Class) from the University of Cape Town (2001) 🏆🔬. His academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology & Economics (Distinction) from the same university in 2000 🎓📊. Prior to that, he excelled at Hoërskool Groote Schuur, obtaining a Senior Certificate with Distinction and Full Matric Exemption (1997) 🎖️🏫. With a strong foundation in both psychology and economics, has contributed significantly to psychological research and practice, focusing on the intersection of history, relevance, and clinical application in South Africa’s evolving psychological landscape. 🌍📖
Experience
Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished professor at the University of Cape Town’s Department of Psychology (2023–Present) 🎓📚, where he currently serves as the Head of Department (2025–Present) 🏛️🔬. Previously, he was the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities (May–July 2023) 🏫📖 and Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies & Funding (2021–2023) 🎓💰, playing a key role in academic leadership. His dedication to mental health and child psychology was evident during his tenure as Director of the Child Guidance Clinic (2017–2022) 🏥👶. Progressed through the academic ranks at UCT, serving as an Associate Professor (2018–2022) 📖🧠, Senior Lecturer (2015–2017) 📚🎙️, and Lecturer (2010–2014) 🎓👨🏫. His career reflects a commitment to teaching, research, and service, with a focus on advancing psychological well-being and education. His leadership and contributions continue to shape the field of psychology and postgraduate mentorship at the university. 🌍📖
Awards & Honors
Dr. Wahbie Long is a distinguished scholar recognized for his contributions to psychology and the humanities. He received the UCT Meritorious Book Prize (2024) 📖🏆 and earned a B2 Rating from the National Research Foundation (2022–2027) 🎖️🔬 for his impactful research. His book Nation on the Couch was longlisted for both the Sunday Times Non-Fiction Award (2022) 📚🌍 and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) Award (2022) 🏛️📖. He was honored with the Rika van den Berg Prize for Psychoanalytic Practice (2018) 🥇🧠 and held a Fellowship at the Institute of Advanced Study, Durham University (2017) 🏛️🎓. His early career achievements include the APA Division 26 Early Career Achievement Award (2016) 🌍🔬, the Best Article Prize in History of Psychology (2015) 🏆📜, and the prestigious Mandela Mellon Fellowship at Harvard University (2015) 🎖️📚. His work continues to shape interdisciplinary scholarship worldwide.
Research Focus
Dr. Wahbie Long’s research explores social psychoanalysis, indigenous psychology, and the history of psychology. His work critically examines decolonial psychology, the relevance of psychology in South Africa, and the psycho-political dimensions of violence. Through his award-winning books and journal articles, he delves into class struggles, alienation, and the intersection of psychology with societal transformation. His interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical psychology, philosophical discourse, and social critique to advance indigenous perspectives. His influential contributions continue to reshape global psychological paradigms and enhance our understanding of human behavior in diverse sociocultural contexts.
Publication Top Notes
On the Africanization of psychology
A situation analysis of children affected by maltreatment and violence in the Western Cape
Rethinking “relevance”: South African psychology in context.
Decolonising higher education: postcolonial theory and the invisible hand of student politics
Nation on the couch: Inside South Africa’s mind
Essence or experience? A new direction for African psychology
Historicising the relevance debate: South African and American psychology in context